SAN ANTONIO — One of the employees at a north side butcher shop said she feared for her life during a New Year’s Eve robbery.
Meanwhile, San Antonio police need the community’s help finding the suspect who was caught on camera.
“It’s something I didn’t think would ever happen to me,” said Perla, who wished to keep her face hidden due to privacy and safety concerns.
According to SAPD, it was around 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 when a masked suspect entered the Culebra Meat Market off Blanco Road and demanded money while holding something in his sock-covered hand.
The store’s security camera footage shows the hooded man shouting orders at Perla and her co-worker to hand over money.
Perla said initially she thought it was a joke but quickly realized she was involved in a serious and potentially life or death situation.
Perla focused on the suspect’s right hand, which was covered up and pointed at both her and the co-worker behind the counter.
“I just froze. I was pretty scared,” Perla said.
The police-published video shows the suspect yelling a barrage of expletives, repeating the same demand for 30 seconds until the video stops. Just before the video stops, the suspect asks, “Do you think it’s a game?”
“All I could do was while he was pointing at my co-worker, all I could do was stare at his hand to try and figure out if it was a gun or not,” Perla said. “That’s when he pointed at my co-worker and she said she didn’t speak English so he translated into Spanish.”
Perla said her co-worker opened up the cash register, which is when the man grabbed the money and ran away.
“I just hope they catch him,” Perla said.
It’s known how much money was stolen, but Perla’s just thankful no one was hurt. She’s not letting this frightening incident prevent her from doing a job she loves.
“I try and watch my surroundings more,” Perla said.
Crime Stoppers is offering to pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the robbery suspect. Tips can be provided by calling 210-224-7867.
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